Test Pilot at General Atomics Palmdale, CA

General Atomics; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance provided

Onsite work

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in Palmdale, CA, is seeking a Test Pilot to serve as Experimental Test Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and/or Flight Examiner for the company’s UAV fleet and associated ground control systems.

The role requires a strong aviation background, extensive flight test experience, and FAA certifications. You will lead mission planning, training, and regulatory compliance while collaborating with engineering and senior management to advance the product line.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a four-year technical degree and 10+ years in ground and flight test operations.
• Must have FAA Commercial Certificate with instrument rating and current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
• 3,000 hours total pilot time including 2,000 PIC, 750 Cross Country, 150 Instrument, and 1,000 hours in turbine aircraft.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to work with multiple teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform as Experimental Test and Evaluation Pilot.
• Perform as Instructor Test Pilot and Flight Examiner.
• Pilot-in-Command of Company Unmanned Air Vehicles.
• Develop mission planning, briefing, execution and debriefing.
• Instruct UAV student pilots and instructors in ground and flight operations.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, company procedures, and guidelines.
• Consult with engineering and senior management as SME for product lines.

Skills

FAA certificates

Test pilot

Flight testing

UAV experience

Safety culture

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical field

Job description

Test Pilot job at General Atomics. Palmdale, CA. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

This position is responsible for serving as Test Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and/or Flight Examiner. The subject matter expert for all aspects of the company's family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems to include aircraft hardware and software, ground control station hardware and software and operational and experimental ground and flight testing of company product line of aircraft. Ensures the standardization of company aircraft ground and flight operations and procedures, flight test and instructional techniques. Primary consultant for executive management in all areas of company product line of aircraft development, flight test and operational mission planning and execution. Responsible for the safe operation of the UAV during all phases of ground and flight operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform as Experimental Test and Evaluation Pilot.
• Perform as Instructor Test Pilot and company Flight Examiner.
• Perform as Pilot-in-Command of Company Unmanned Air Vehicles.
• Develops and executes mission planning, briefing, mission execution and debriefing.
• Instruct UAV student pilots as well as instructor pilots-in-training in all aspects of UAV ground and flight operations including academic (platform instruction) and in-flight instruction.
• Ensures compliance with all governing regulations including service guidance, company procedures and Federal Aviation Administration Regulations.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations and company policies wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to maintain a productive and safe working environment in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Consults directly with company engineering and senior management as subject matter expert in developing company product line of aircraft.
• Develops and verifies procedures for use with new aircraft features.
• Develops training syllabus courseware to include research, word processing and presentation development.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires education or formal training equivalent to a four-year technical degree and ten or more years of progressive experience in ground and flight test operations. Equivalent professional aviation experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Must have a strong aviation background and demonstrate a complete understanding of technical principles, theories, and concepts.
• Must have excellent organization skills including planning and coordinating work assignments.
• Must possess:
  • FAA Commercial Certificate with a current instrument rating and current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
  • 3000 hours logged total pilot time including 2000 hours Pilot in Command, 750 hours Cross Country, 150 hours Instrument, and 1000 hours in turbine aircraft.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with emphasis on teamwork and verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to effectively interface with all levels of employees, as well as military and civilian customers.
  • Strong knowledge of computer applications and operations pertinent to the position.
  • Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Highly Desirable:
  • Previous experience including Predator, UAV and/or Military aviator or military aviation.
  • FAA instructor rating (CFI) and (CFII) in manned aircraft.
  • Test pilot school graduate.

Salary

$140,940 - $252,293

Travel Percentage Required

0 - 25

Relocation Assistance Provided

Provided

US Citizenship Required

Yes

Clearance Required

Yes, Secret level

Workstyle

Onsite

EEO Statement

General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. EEO is the law. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions.